Roswell football has experienced turnover within its program that has hindered the team from reaching its maximum potential in the past few seasons. The Hornets have had three head coaches in a five-year span and only had one winning season since 2009. However, after an impressive win over Wheeler on Oct. 4 and coming off of a bye week with a 3-3 record heading into Friday’s home contest against Woodstock, Roswell has reasons for optimism for the 2013 campaign.

“We’re starting to get continuity in the program and want to keep it that way,” head coach John Ford said. “We’ve improved every week and the team chemistry has gone up,” senior wide receiver Colin McCaulley stated. “We’re hoping to hit our peak by the end of the season.”

In the 21-19 victory over Wheeler, Shakur Jackson, Sheldon Evans and Mechane Slade each had rushing touchdowns in the contest. “The offensive line has gotten better every week and are fighters who are fun to coach,” Ford said. “Our running backs have developed nicely and James Whitaker has had a couple of good games at quarterback.”

The Hornets have used their skill position players, including McCauley and Kendrick Jackson in hybrid roles to produce the most efficient offense.

Defensively, Roswell has undergone a youth movement with numerous underclassmen getting opportunities to play in the rotation. “We have a young defensive group that’s growing up fast,” Ford said. “The leadership of Devonte Hall and Pat Sheehan as seniors has been good. The unit is getting better every week and our coaches have done a good job on that side of the ball.”

This past bye week has allowed the roster to get healthy and continue to improve on various elements of the game. “The offense is trying to get better and improve our tempo to go even faster,” McCaulley said.

The coaching staff focused on the specifics of the Hornets’ next opponent. “Woodstock has an athletic quarterback who can run around,” Ford said. “It’s a solid team that’s well coached, plays fast on offense and runs to the ball on defense.”

With a 1-1 record in Region 5-AAAAAA play, the Hornets are still in prime position to make the postseason for the first-time since 2010. “We’re feeling pretty good right now and our confidence is rolling,” McCaulley said. “Our next few games are critical before facing Lassiter and Walton to conclude our season.”

Offense is inconsistent and defense is horrible these coaches change kids position way too much and are not doing a good job getting these kids recruited

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